title: [Use of outpatient services by the elderly in the South and Northeast of Brazil].
abstract: This study evaluated the use of outpatient services by senior citizens (N = 4,003) drawing on data from the baseline study that evaluated the Project for Expansion and Consolidation of the Family Health Strategy (PROESF) in 41 cities in South and Northeast Brazil. Use of outpatient services was greater and more appropriate to the needs of the elderly in the South than in the Northeast. Primary care facilities in both regions met the demand by lower-income elderly, but those requiring more care were treated at other levels. The results highlight the need to increase the supply of outpatient services and ensure access by the elderly, particularly for individuals with functional impairments in the Northeast. In addition to promoting equity, primary care in both regions should adopt targeted approaches for the health needs of senior citizens.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, Brasil. rodriguesmapa@terra.com.br
authors.forename: Maria Aparecida Pinheiro
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Luiz Augusto
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Facchini
authors.forename: Roberto Xavier
authors.initials: RX
authors.lastname: Piccini
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tomasi
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thumé
authors.forename: Denise Silva
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Silveira
authors.forename: Vera Maria Vieira
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Paniz
authors.forename: Fernando Vinholes
authors.initials: FV
authors.lastname: Siqueira
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D008297:Male; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors